3) Background check and fingerprinting: Once you have submitted form I-589, USCIS will contact you to visit an Application Support Center (ASC) near you so that you can be fingerprinted. The fingerprints will be used to run a background check and security check.

4) Interview notice: About 21 days after you file form I-589, you will receive a notice for an interview with USCIS. The interview will be scheduled at a USCIS field office.

5) Interview: About 43 days after USCIS received your I-589, you will have an interview. At the interview, an asylum officer will discuss your application and will seek more information about why you are seeking asylum. You may bring an attorney as well as any family members seeking asylum with you. Any witnesses you may have should also attend the interview with you. If you cannot be interviewed in English, you must bring an interpreter with you. During the interview is where you must prove that have suffered or fear persecution for one of the following reasons:

Race

Religion

Nationality

Membership in a particular social group

Political opinion

6) Asylum officer reaches decision: After the interview, the asylum officer will make a decision about your asylum case. Once a decision has been made about your case, a supervisory officer will review the asylum officer’s decision. Depending on the supervisory officer may review your case for additional review.

7) Applicant receives decision: About two weeks after your interview you should be able to receive your decision from the field office you interviewed at. Your application will either be accepted or denied. If denied, USCIS may refer your case to Immigration Court for removal proceedings if they determine your are not in the US legally. The whole process should take about 60 days to complete.